Henry S. Patterson, M.D., who resides in Elkader, is a native son of Clayton County, and is one of her enterprising and progressive citizens. He has made an earnest study of his profession and has not allowed his studies to cease as so many physicians do on leaving their Alma Mater. Instead he keeps in touch with the most advanced thought of the medical profession, takes the best journals, and in every way keeps abreast with the times.

Our subject was born in 1851, being a son of Wesley and Lucy A. (Shuman) Patterson. The father was a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Wyandotte County, and the year before the birth of his son, Henry, he concluded to try his fortunes in the west, accordingly settling in Clayton County in 1850. His father, John Patterson, was a native of Ireland, who settled in the Buckeye State in the early part of this century. Our subject's mother was born in Pennsylvania, where she grew to womanhood, later removing to Ohio. Both parents are still living though now well along in years, their residence being in North Dakota.

The boyhood of Dr. Patterson was passed in the county of his nativity, and his early education was afforded by the public schools. While still quite young he determined to adopt the medical profession, and accordingly read and studied under the tutelage of Dr. Bass, of Elkader, who was one of the pioneer physicians of this locality. In 1885 Dr. Patterson entered the Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago, from which he graduated after completing the entire course of study, in 1888. On beginning his practice he located at Toledo, Iowa, where he remained for two years pursuing his professional duties in Grundy Center for about a year and a-half and for about eight months practicing in Waukon, Allamakee County.

It was in April, 1892, that the Doctor came to Elkader, where he has since conducted a large general practice. He is a physician of the Homeopathic school, which he believes to be the best and most in accord with advanced knowledge. With the State Homeopathic Society he holds membership, as well as with the American Institute of homeopathy. He uses his influence and ballot in favor of the principles of the Republican party and is a true patriot and citizen, who holds it a high privilege to do everything in his power to further the well-being of the people of this fair land.

In December, 1872, Dr. Patterson was married to Miss Sara E., daughter of J.B. Shelhamer, who was one of the early settlers of Clayton County. Two daughters came to bless this union, Alice, and Susie, who has passed from this life. The Doctor and his estimable wife are faithful members and workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church and Sunday-school of this place, and their pleasant home is always hospitably open to welcome their many friends. Dr. Patterson well merits the high esteem in which he is held by the people of this section, for he is a man of sterling worth, truth and justice, whose life is devoted to healing, uplifting and blessing those with whom he comes in contact.